Sepsis and the scalpel: anatomic compartments and the diabetic foot

The foot comprises 3 compartments bounded by bone and fascia, each compartment containing muscle and vascular and nervous structures. Infection leading to an increase in pressures in the compartments results in rapid necrosis, a pathologic process characteristic of diabetic feet. Treatment involves fasciotomy and complete debridement of devitalized tissue with possible amputation of the involved digits. Knowledge of the anatomic structure of the foot and its compartments is therefore essential in effectively managing the diabetic foot.